Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire Proposal Amid Gaza Tensions
Gaza – Hamas has reportedly consented to a ceasefire proposal presented by mediators, according to a statement from the group’s leader in Gaza on Saturday. This development follows ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and secure a truce between Hamas and Israel, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The proposal, details of which remain undisclosed, aims to halt hostilities and potentially pave the way for further negotiations.
Hamas Leader Confirms Agreement
Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent Hamas leader, announced in a public address, “Two days ago, we received a proposal from our mediating brothers.” He further stated, “We interacted with it positively and have approved it. Our hope is that the occupation will not impede it and undermine the endeavors of the mediators.”
Details of the Proposed Agreement
While specifics of the ceasefire proposal have not been publicly released, al-Hayya indicated that Egypt has suggested establishing “a community support committee to administer the Gaza Strip.”
- Committee Responsibility: This committee, as proposed, would assume comprehensive responsibility for the Gaza Strip across all sectors.
- Composition: It is intended to be composed of independent national figures.
- Immediate Implementation: The committee is expected to commence its duties immediately upon reaching an agreement to counter any potential propaganda from the enemy.
Regional Reactions and Previous Ceasefire
Egypt, reportedly a key mediator in these discussions, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the proposed details. However, Egypt’s State Information Service communicated on Friday that the nation’s foreign affairs minister had engaged in dialogue with his Turkish counterpart to discuss ceasefire initiatives.
Israel’s Counterproposal and Objections
Israel has reportedly submitted a counterproposal to mediators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that he “held a series of consultations yesterday” and affirmed that Israel is acting “in full coordination with the United States.”
Currently, the specific objections or concerns Israel may have regarding the ceasefire proposal remain unclear.
Background: Breakdown of Previous Truce
This ceasefire initiative emerges after a prior ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas dissolved. Israel initiated a series of intense airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 400 individuals. That previous truce had been implemented on January 19th.
Israel attributed the breakdown to Hamas, citing the group’s alleged refusal to accede to Israel’s demand for the release of additional hostages in exchange for resuming negotiations.
Phases of the Earlier Agreement
The original ceasefire agreement was structured in phases:
Phase One: Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
- Hamas was to release 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others.
- In return, approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners were to be released by March 1st.
Phase Two: Permanent Ceasefire
- Scheduled to commence 16 days later.
- Intended to include the exchange of all remaining hostages.
- Aimed to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Phase two of the agreement was never implemented. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly accepted a proposal to extend the initial ceasefire for 50 days to facilitate discussions regarding phase two, but Hamas rejected this extension.
Following Hamas’ rejection, Israel imposed restrictions on the entry of aid and goods into Gaza and subsequently launched airstrikes on the region on March 18th. In remarks following these strikes, Netanyahu stated, “this is just the beginning.”
These airstrikes brought an end to nearly two months of relative calm between Israel and Hamas.
Uncertainty Surrounds New Proposal
It remains uncertain how the current ceasefire proposal differs from the previous agreement and whether Hamas will accept Israel’s counterproposal. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the potential for a renewed truce.